Quilted picture frame

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a sewn picture frame that may be attached to a wall hanging, stuffed animal, or the like. A photograph, calendar, greeting card, advertisement or other item is held to the item by plastic sheet that is sewn in place on three sides, allowing one side free to insert and remove a photograph. In some embodiments, printed logos or designs may adorn the photograph holder.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial NO. 60/357,792 by Debra Lee Quick, entitled “Quilted Picture Frame” filed Feb. 14, 2002, the entire contents of which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference for all it discloses and teaches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] a. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention pertains generally to picture frames and specifically to decorative picture frames.

[0004] b. Description of the Background

[0005] Wall hangings, stuffed animals, and other quilted or sewn items are used around the house as decoration or play toys. Wall hangings of various sorts enliven and brighten a living space by adding a personal touch and interest to a room. Likewise, a stuffed toy may be enjoyed by a child or may be displayed for viewing to invigorate or energize an otherwise dull area.

[0006] The wide variety of wall hangings, stuffed animals, and the like afford the room decorator with a myriad of options when decorating a room. Various shapes, styles, and material choices are available. However, because such items are manufactured in as large a quantity as possible for the most economy of scale, the choices are still limited by the manufacturer into certain predetermined shapes, styles, and material choices.

[0007] These decorative items are also given as gifts. As gifts, they may be chosen to complement the recipient's decor or style of decorating. The gift is special when the giver selects the unique style and color of the decorative item to match the personality of the recipient. As with any manufactured item, the choices of colors, styles, shapes, etc., are limited, affording the gift giver with a limited selection from which to choose.

[0008] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a wall hanging, stuffed toy, or the like that may be manufactured in an economic fashion, yet provide the decorator, gift giver, or end user the ability to customize the item for their specific use. In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism for holding a picture in the item that would be highlighted by the decorative wall hanging, stuffed toy, or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by providing a device for holding and displaying photographs, drawings, or other art in a quilted wall hanging, stuffed animal, or the like. A photograph may be held in place by a clear plastic sheet that is sewn on three sides, leaving one side open for the insertion of the photograph.

[0010] The present invention may be an accessory for a greeting card, allowing a personalized message to accompany a play toy, decorative wall hanging, or other item that may be cherished and kept after enjoying the message in the greeting card. In other embodiments, the present invention may be an advertising vehicle for carrying an advertising message. In still other embodiments, calendars and other printed matter may be displayed by the present invention.

[0011] The present invention may therefore comprise a picture frame comprising: a flexible backing, the backing being decorative and being fabricated from a woven material; and a flexible picture holder, the holder being a flexible plastic material, the holder being sewn to the backing along three edges.

[0012] The present invention may further comprise a stuffed article adapted to display a picture comprising: a stuffed article fabricated of woven material; and a flexible picture holder, the holder being a flexible plastic material, the holder being sewn to the backing along three edges.

[0013] The present invention may further comprise a gift item with a greeting card comprising: a greeting card; and a stuffed toy adapted to display a greeting card, the toy comprising a stuffed article and a flexible picture holder adapted to display the greeting card.

[0014] The present invention may further comprise a picture holder comprising: a flexible backing, said backing being decorative and being fabricated from a woven material; and a flexible picture holder comprised of a transparent flexible plastic material, said holder being substantially rectangular in shape and sewn to said backing along at least three edges.

[0015] The present invention may further comprise a gift article adapted to display a picture comprising: a stuffed article fabricated of woven material; a flexible picture holder, said holder being a transparent flexible plastic material and substantially rectangular in shape, said holder being sewn to said backing along at least three edges; and a printed gift card adapted to be placed inside said flexible picture holder.

[0016] The present invention may further comprise a method of manufacturing a picture holder comprising: providing a flexible backing, said backing being decorative and being fabricated from a woven material; providing a flexible picture holder comprised of a transparent flexible plastic material, said holder being substantially rectangular in shape; and sewing said flexible picture holder to said flexible backing along at least three edges of said flexible picture holder.

[0017] The advantages of the present invention are that a wall hanging, stuffed animal, or other decorative item may be customized. Gift items, such as stuffed toys, may include a photograph provided by the gift giver to commemorate and specialize the gift, making it unique to the recipient. Further, the gift item may have a coordinated greeting card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the drawings,

[0019]FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a stuffed animal is outfitted with a flexible photograph holder.

[0020]FIG. 2 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 shown with a photograph inserted into the photograph holder.

[0021]FIG. 3 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 shown with an advertisement inserted into the photograph holder.

[0022]FIG. 4 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 shown with a greeting card inserted into the photograph holder.

[0023]FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a quilted wall hanging is outfitted with a flexible photograph holder.

[0024]FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a quilted wall hanging is outfitted with a flexible photograph holder that has a printed decoration adorning the photograph holder.

[0025]FIG. 7 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 6 shown with a photograph inserted into the photograph holder.

[0026]FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention of a wall hanging is outfitted with a flexible photograph holder, wherein the photograph holder has a cut out portion.

[0027]FIG. 9 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 8 shown with a photograph inserted into the photograph holder.

[0028]FIG. 10 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention of a wall hanging is outfitted with a flexible photograph holder, wherein the photograph holder contains a calendar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment 100 of the present invention wherein a stuffed animal 102 is outfitted with a flexible photograph holder 104. The photograph holder 104 is sewn to the animal 102 on three sides, labeled 106, 108, and 110, with side 112 unsewn to afford ingress to a photograph.

[0030] In the present embodiment, flexible photograph holder 104 may be manufactured from a clear, flexible plastic such as vinyl. Other clear, flexible plastic materials may be used to achieve the same result.

[0031] The stuffed animal 102 may be any type of stuffed animal, toy, pillow, or object. The shape and size of stuffed objects vary immensely. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown but is applicable to all forms of stuffed animals, toys, pillows, and the like.

[0032]FIG. 2 illustrates embodiment 100 of the present invention showing the stuffed animal 102 with the photograph holder 104 attached. A photograph 202 is shown inserted into the photograph holder 104.

[0033] The embodiment 100 provides a way for customization of a stuffed animal, suitable for use as a gift, decoration, play toy, or other uses. Such an embodiment may enable a person to commemorate an event or person in a photograph and display the photograph in a fun and meaningful manner. In other uses for the same embodiment, cards, signs, calendars, or other displays may be placed in the photograph holder 104 to create unique looks.

[0034]FIG. 3 illustrates embodiment 300 of the present invention wherein stuffed animal 102 with photograph holder 104 has an advertisement card 302 installed. The advertisement card 302 may relate to the store that is selling the stuffed animal. In such a case, the card may serve as an advertisement for the stuffed animal itself, informing the prospective purchaser of the uses and advantages of the stuffed animal, highlighting the picture frame functionality. The photograph holder 104 is shown sewn on all four edges 304, entrapping the advertisement card 302 permanently. In other uses, the embodiment 300 may be a promotional item given away as a gift or novelty. As a gift or novelty item, the advertisement card 302 may be intended to be removed, such that the recipient may place their own photograph in the photograph holder 104.

[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates embodiment 400 of the present invention wherein stuffed animal 102 with photograph holder 104 has a greeting card 402 installed. The greeting card 402 may be a standard greeting card or may be specially adapted to coordinate with the stuffed animal 102. Embodiment 400 may be displayed in a retail environment with the stuffed animal 102 prominently displayed and several varieties of greeting cards available to compliment the particular animal 102.

[0036] A series of greeting cards 402 may be created that are themed to correspond with the stuffed animal 102. For example, a stuffed bear may have corresponding cards that have text that refers to the bear. The cards may complement the colors of the bear or otherwise be adapted to promote the functionality of the bear, such as referring to a hug or other aspect of the bear. The card 402 may be removable so that the giver may be able to write a message on the card 402. The recipient may be able to replace the card with a photograph or other card if they so choose.

[0037] The card 402 may be a folded gift card as commonly available in retail card stores. The photograph holder 104 may be sized to correspond with a standard card size such that any card within a certain size range may be placed in the photograph holder 104. The animal 102 may be sold as a gift card accessory and may not necessarily correspond with a specialized line of gift cards.

[0038] The placement of the photograph holder 104 is shown on the belly of the stuffed animal 102. In other embodiments, the photograph holder 104 may be placed on any portion of the stuffed animal 102, such as on the animal's back, shoulder, on an article of clothing worn by the animal 102, on any extremity of the animal, or any other place one skilled in the art may desire. The embodiment shown was selected to best exemplify the present invention and not to limit the invention.

[0039]FIG. 5 illustrates embodiment 500 of the present invention wherein a decorative quilted wall hanging 502 has a picture holder 504 attached. The picture holder 504 may be sewn on three sides 506, 508, and 510, with one side 512 unsewn. A photograph, card, advertisement, or other flat item may be slid into the photograph holder 504 through the unsewn edge 512. The wall hanging 502 may be affixed to a wall for display using the bows 514 and 516 or by any other device commonly used for such purpose.

[0040] The quilted wall hanging 502 may be fashioned from any type of flexible material capable of being sewn. The material may be woven cloth, sheet plastic, or other material. The photograph holder 504 may be fabricated from clear plastic sheet material such as vinyl or other such material.

[0041]FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment 600 of the present invention wherein a decorative wall hanging 602 has a picture holder 604 attached. Picture holder 604 has a printed decoration 606.

[0042] The printed decoration 606 may be screen printed, transfer printed, or otherwise placed on the picture holder 604. The printed decoration 606 may be selected to correspond to the shape, color, and pattern of the wall hanging 602. For example, if the pattern of wall hanging 602 were suitable for displaying a child's picture, the decoration 606 may be a complementary icon or graphic. The printed decoration 606 may be an advertisement, logo, or icon for the company that is producing or selling the embodiment 600.

[0043]FIG. 7 illustrates embodiment 600 of the present invention shown with a child's portrait 702 inserted into picture holder 604. The printed decoration 606 is complementary to the intended use of the embodiment 600 and enhances the decorative appeal.

[0044] The printed decoration 606 may take several forms. Icons or small decorations may be placed in various positions around the photograph holder 604. In other embodiments, the printed decoration 606 may comprise a border around the entire edge of the photograph holder 604. Such a border may complement the pattern and color of the wall hanging 602.

[0045]FIG. 8 illustrates embodiment 800 of the present invention wherein a wall hanging 802 has a picture frame 804 attached thereto. Picture frame 804 comprises a frame that is sewn onto wall hanging 802 on three sides 806, 808, and 810. A fourth side 812 is unsewn to allow ingress for a photograph or other item. Picture frame 804 has an open area defined by border 814.

[0046] Picture frame 804 may be constructed from any type of flexible material, preferably semi-rigid such that a photograph may be captured by the frame 804. Suitable materials may include vinyl or other flexible plastic material.

[0047] Picture frame 804 may be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. In some cases, frame 804 may be printed with a design or decoration to complement the wall hanging 802.

[0048]FIG. 9 illustrates embodiment 800 with a photograph 902 inserted into the photograph holder 804. The open area 904 may leave portions of the photograph 902 exposed within the boundaries of the open area 904.

[0049]FIG. 10 illustrates embodiment 1000 of the present invention wherein a wall hanging 1002 has a picture frame 1004 attached thereto. A calendar 1006 is shown inserted into picture frame 1004. The picture frame 1004 is constructed in a similar fashion to the various embodiments shown heretofore.

[0050] The various forms of quilted or sewn items embodied in the present invention includes wall hangings and stuffed articles, including stuffed animals, toys, pillows, and any other type of stuffed articles. The articles to which a flexible picture frame may be attached are unlimited in shape, size, decoration, or function.

[0051] The picture frame may be flexible and sewn to the article. In some embodiments, the picture frame may be glued or otherwise adhered to the article. The picture frame is generally constructed of a flexible material, preferably plastic, that in some instances may be transparent. The picture frame may have graphic designs imprinted thereupon, including logos, designs, borders, or other decorative elements. In addition, logos for the manufacturer or retailer of the products may be imprinted on the picture frame.

[0052] The picture frame may be sewn on three sides, affording ingress and egress of a photograph through the unsewn side. In other embodiments, the picture frame may be sewn on all four sides to fully capture and entrain the photograph.

[0053] The picture frame may cover the entire photograph to be held or may have an open cutout for capturing and displaying the photograph. The open cutout may have a decorative edge or may be straight. Such a frame may be opaque, transparent, or semi-transparent.

[0054] The various items of toys, wall hangings, and the like may be designed to hold pictures, calendars, greeting cards, advertisements, or any other article that may be held in the picture frame.

[0055] The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A picture holder comprising: a flexible backing, said backing being decorative and being fabricated from a woven material; and a flexible picture holder comprised of a transparent flexible plastic material, said holder being substantially rectangular in shape and sewn to said backing along at least three edges.
 2. The picture holder of claim 1 wherein said flexible backing comprises a stuffed toy.
 3. The picture holder of claim 1 wherein said flexible picture holder further comprises a printed image on at least a portion of said picture holder.
 4. The picture holder of claim 3 wherein said printed image comprises a border about the four edges and a transparent area within the border.
 5. A gift article adapted to display a picture comprising: a stuffed article fabricated of woven material; a flexible picture holder, said holder being a transparent flexible plastic material and substantially rectangular in shape, said holder being sewn to said backing along at least three edges; and a printed gift card adapted to be placed inside said flexible picture holder.
 6. The gift article of claim 5 wherein said flexible picture holder further comprises a printed image on at least a portion of said picture holder.
 7. The gift article of claim 6 wherein said printed image comprises a border about the four edges and a transparent area within the border.
 8. The gift article of claim 5 wherein said flexible picture holder is sewn to said backing along four edges.
 9. A method of manufacturing a picture holder comprising: providing a flexible backing, said backing being decorative and being fabricated from a woven material; providing a flexible picture holder comprised of a transparent flexible plastic material, said holder being substantially rectangular in shape; and sewing said flexible picture holder to said flexible backing along at least three edges of said flexible picture holder.
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: printing an image on at least a portion of said picture holder.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said image comprises a border about the four edges and a transparent area within the border. 